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Parental Responsibilities
& Child Custody

Home /Family Law Practice Areas /Parental Responsibilities
& Child Custody

Rolling Meadows Child Custody Attorneys

In Illinois divorce cases, the decision about which parent has custody of a couple’s children is typically based on what is best for the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of the child. The official term for custody under Illinois law is now “parenting time.” The terms “joint custody” and “legal custody” are no longer used by the courts, although many parents still refer to the issue this way.

When you are facing child custody issues, turn to an experienced attorney at Heckman Law. With more than 10 years of experience in the area of family law, our firm prides itself on offering clients tailored child custody representation. Whether you need information and assistance regarding custody or parenting time, parenting plans, or visitation rights, our firm can help. Contact our office online or call 847-705-8000 to schedule an appointment.

What Is Best for Your Child?

Our primary concern as child custody attorneys is seeking a resolution for the situation that is in your child’s best interests. If you are our client, we will assist you in finding the right situation for the custody of your child. The court may consider a number of factors in this regard, including:

  1. Your wishes and the wishes of your spouse
  2. The wishes of the child
  3. The interaction and interrelationship of the child with you and your spouse, siblings, and other family members
  4. The child’s adjustment to his home, school, and community
  5. The mental and physical health of all family members
  6. The possibility of physical violence by the child’s potential custodian
  7. The occurrence of ongoing abuse of the child or someone else in the family
  8. Your desire to facilitate and encourage a continuing relationship between the other parent and your child

Know Your Legal Options

As a parent, you have some legal rights as to which judge will decide your parenting time case. Because of my experience in local courts, we can advise you about how that right can affect your concerns in numerous child custody issues, including:

  • Allocation of parental responsibilities
  • Paternity tests
  • Removal of children to another state or location
  • Post-decree modifications

Knowledge of Illinois divorce and child custody law is extremely important in these cases. We can assist you in protecting your rights and your child’s welfare.

Contact Our Schaumburg and Palatine Child Custody Lawyers Today

Please contact our office for a free initial consultation about your child custody and parental responsibility concerns. We can meet with you to discuss your situation and determine the best way in which to proceed with the case.

FAQs About Parental Responsibilities & Child Custody in Illinois

What is the difference between "parental responsibilities" and "parenting time"?

The term parental responsibilities describes the authority to make significant decisions for your child, covering areas like education, healthcare, religion, and extracurricular activities. Parenting time, meanwhile, is the schedule that outlines when the child is in the physical care of each parent.

Do Illinois courts favor mothers over fathers in custody decisions?

No. Illinois law is gender-neutral. Decisions are based entirely on the child’s best interests, and both parents have equal rights to seek parenting time and responsibilities.

Can my child decide which parent they want to live with?

A child’s preference is one of many factors the court considers, and more weight is given to the wishes of a mature child. However, the child’s desire is not the only factor, and the judge makes the final decision based on all relevant circumstances.

What is a parenting plan? What should it include?

A parenting plan is a written agreement submitted to the court that outlines how parents will handle parental responsibilities and parenting time. If parents cannot agree on a plan, the court will create one for them. A comprehensive parenting plan should specify the parenting time schedule (including holidays and vacations), how major decisions will be made, how transportation will be handled between homes, and how future disagreements will be resolved.

Can a parenting plan be changed after it is finalized?

Yes, a parenting plan can be modified if there has been a substantial change in circumstances since the original order was entered, such as a relocation, and the change is in the child’s best interest.

Contact our office to arrange for a free initial consultation and review of your case.

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Andrea Heckman

Managing Attorney

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Please contact our law office in Rolling Meadows for legal assistance with divorce, child custody, or visitation issues. We serve clients in the Chicago metropolitan area who need the help of an experienced and dedicated family law attorney.

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